Anytime I go to Puerto Penasco I stay at Vina Del Mar. It may not be the nicest most expensive hotel, but it is in a great location and has character. The hotel itself is located right on the water, not the beach; it is actually on the rocky point of Rocky Point. Almost all the rooms have a sea view and all the best restaurants and shopping in town are within walking distance. The beach is a short 5 minute drive/cab ride away. I love to get up early take a cab to breakfast, head off to a day of fun at the beach, head back to Vina shower and hit the Shops, eat, grab a drink and hang with the locals on the Malecon watching mariachi bands, flame throwers and whatever other entertainment is out. You can even grab some beer at the Oxxo and hang out on the Malecon, Vina Del Mar borders the Malecon. Vina also has a nice little bar that opens onto the Malecon, a restaurant that has a nice breakfast and a good staff, especially Juan, who is always nice and friendly. The rooms may not be top notch, but it gives you a true Mexico experience that you will not get at one of the fancy resorts on Sandy Beach.

My wife and I have been staying there for close to 10 years. In the past we went to Mexico once a month and tried a couple different hotels and none of them have the view or ambiance that Vina has. A kitchenette that sits right on the water gives you a fantastic view and you can watch the shrimp boats come and go in the night, dolphins and occasionally you can see whales breaching the surface. It is just awesome and has an atmosphere of total relaxation and tranquility. The energy is peaceful and stress free. Will continue to stay there and have no desire to try any other hotel. Close to shopping, food, the famous fish market and marina if you take a ponga boat out to catch you own fish (that's a total rush)
The staff has always been accommodating, friendly and professional. And yes you can bargain with them on price if you do it with a little respect and tact.

My husband and I went to Puerto Penasco on 5/26/2011 and we stayed at the Vina del Mar hotel. We had a great time and the suite we stayed in was really nice. We loved the view overlooking the ocean. It was beautiful I higly recommend this hotel :)

Stayed one night with my daughter. We wanted to stay on the malecon because it's near our favorite restaurant, Flavio's. They charge a $20 key deposit. Of course, I forgot it, which I believe most people do, and when I turned in my key, no one offered to return the deposit. Surprise! While in the shower, the water changed from freezing to boiling every few seconds, making for a very unpleasant experience. The room was mediocre at best. We got the "suite", which had a suspicious couch, a small, well-used table and two chairs, and a balcony overlooking the roof below. This hotel is in serious need of an upgrade.